Feel the “Rhythm in Our Roots”

Hundreds of Freed-Hardeman University students wowed audiences with their musical talents during Makin’ Music 48, “Rhythm in Our Roots,” April 11-12. Thousands of spectators attended one of four performances over the weekend, with Phi Kappa Alpha taking home the coveted sweepstakes trophy on Saturday night.

“These students pour their hearts into this show,” said FHU Dean of Student Life and Makin’ Music Producer Tony Allen. “They fill it with love, care and hard work, and they do it while building positive relationships with one another. Competition is great and all, but that journey of learning, working together, and putting a fantastic show on this stage that every one of them is proud of—that says a lot about these kids.”

The annual production was brought to life by a dedicated team of student leaders, including staff, managers, coordinators, emcees, hosts and hostesses, the Makin’ Music Showband, and hundreds of student performers. Planning for each show begins months in advance, with students balancing creativity and logistics to produce a memorable experience for audiences of all ages.

Phi Kappa Alpha's "There's No Place Like Gnome" won first place in the Sweepstakes awards.

Xi Chi Delta senior director Shea Robinson reflected on the many months of work that went into crafting their eye-catching show. “We began planning the show in May of 2024, and from choosing the theme and selecting the songs to watching it all come together, I cherished every moment of the process,” she said. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to direct something that our club family will treasure forever.”

Each of FHU’s five social clubs debuted an original musical production, blending costumes, props, choreography and vocals to tell an entertaining story. This year’s group performances included Chi Beta Chi’s “What’s Kraken?” Omega Chi’s “Playing With Fire,” Phi Kappa Alpha’s “There’s No Place Like Gnome,” Sigma Rho’s “Rumble in the Jungle” and Xi Chi Delta’s “Send the Redcoats Running.”

Xi Chi Delta's "Send the Redcoats Running" earned second place.

Senior Omega Chi director Wyatt Fairman was grateful for the support of a strong and dedicated cast of club members. “This year’s Makin’ Music was such a fun experience!” he said. “It was a lot of hard work, not only building the show but also learning to communicate as a team. Thankfully, our cast was phenomenal to work with, and they helped the process of making a show feel grounded and possible.”

“Makin’ Music is so unique,” said junior Phi Kappa Alpha director Mia Morris. “It is one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever been a part of, but at the same time, it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever been involved in.”

Omega Chi's "Playing With Fire" earned third place.

Following a tightly scored competition, Phi Kappa Alpha was awarded first-place sweepstakes honors, with Xi Chi Delta earning second and Omega Chi placing third. Additionally, the Spirit of Makin’ Music award, which honors the club that best embodies the core values and camaraderie of the event, was given to Chi Beta Chi. After the Thursday morning Kids’ Show—performed especially for local school children—Xi Chi Delta also received the third annual Kids’ Choice Award.

Anna Claire Mayo, a high school junior and prospective FHU student from Chattanooga, Tennessee, shared that she particularly enjoyed Xi Chi Delta’s Revolutionary War show. “I loved the costumes, the lyrics and the way they used the scarves to make the American flag,” she said. “All of the club shows were really good, and I also enjoyed the hosts and hostesses.”

Makin' Music Hosts, Hostesses, and Emcees entertain the crowd.

After her positive experience this year, Mayo said she “absolutely” hopes to get involved with Makin’ Music if she chooses to attend FHU following high school. “It seems like a good opportunity for community building and a way to make memories that will last for years to come!”